Ultrarunning as a Soul Sport
AJW writes about finding food for the soul, in running or other sports.
Andy Jones-Wilkins
Title: AJW’s Taproom Columnist
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Social Media Links
Expertise
- Topics of Expertise: Trail running, ultrarunning, run coaching
- Amount of Expertise: 22 years trail running, 30 years ultrarunning, and 12 years coaching running, along with more than 500 articles published in the AJW’s Taproom column.
Education & Certifications
- Education: Bachelor of Arts, American Studies, Hamilton College; Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, Villanova University
-
Years of Professional Experience Relevant to iRunFar: 11 years writing AJW’s Taproom
- Club Memberships: Aravaipa Running, Virginia Happy Trails Running Club, Charlottesville Area Trail Runners Club
- Other Relevant Positions, Current or Past: Senior-level coach with CTS, frequent contributor to Trail Runner Nation Podcast, Koopcast, and the Adventure Jogger podcast.
A Word from Andy Jones-Wilkins
I aim to inspire and motivate others about and through trail running and ultrarunning by providing thoughtful and provocative columns. My personal interests include trail running, ultrarunning, gravel cycling, and pizza making.
Race Director Chronicles: Michele Hartwig and Ornery Mule Racing
An interview with Michele Hartwig of Ornery Mule Racing.
Running and Aging: From Strength to Strength
An essay about transitioning to the second half of life as a runner.
The Western States, Hardrock, and Leadville 100 Milers, 14 Years Later
AJW’s reflections on the changes through the years at three iconic American ultramarathons.
When the Race Flame Dims
Ideas for enjoying our sport and the outdoors when you aren’t inspired to race.
Race Director Chronicles: The One and Only Dave Walker
An interview with Dave Walker, race director of the Worlds End Ultramarathon.
2023 Vermont 100 Mile: Canceled Due to Flooding
Flood damage and severe safety concerns forced the cancellation of the 2023 Vermont 100 Mile.
The Calm Before the Storm at the 2023 Hardrock 100
The atmosphere in Silverton, Colorado, is warming up for the 2023 Hardrock 100.
Late Night at the Western States 100 Highway 49 Crossing
AJW reflects on volunteering at the 2023 Western States 100.
Race Director Chronicles: Shaun Collins and the Lactic Turkey Events
We profile Shaun Collins, who puts on trail races through his company Lactic Turkey Events, in New Zealand.
Intriguing Stories and Predictions for the 2023 Western States 100
Here are some of the storylines you should be following at the 2023 Western States 100.
A Perfect Storm at the 2023 Western States 100
An update on the restoration of the Western States Trail ahead of the 2023 Western States 100.
A Day at the 2023 Cocodona 250 Mile
AJW recounts his experience of volunteering at the 2023 Cocodona 250 Mile, and what it is that makes 200-plus-mile races different from other ultramarathons.
Race Director Chronicles: Sidónio Freitas and the Madeira Island Ultra-Trail
A profile of Sidónio Freitas, race director of the Maderia Island Ultra-Trail.
The Three-Day Training Camp
AJW writes about the benefits of a three-day training camp for ultramarathon build-up, especially 100-mile races.
Three Possible Ultrarunning Rule Changes
AJW muses on a few possible rule changes that could alter the sport of ultrarunning.
Exploring the Limits of Age-Group Running at the 2023 Jackpot Ultrarunning Festival
A recap of and reflection on the age-group races at the 2023 Jackpot Ultrarunning Festival.
Race Director Chronicles: BJ Haeck, Angela Shartel, and the San Diego 100 Mile
A profile of San Diego 100 Mile race directors Angela Shartel and BJ Haeck.
Staying Connected to the Community
AJW writes about the rewards of staying involved in the ultrarunning community, beyond one’s own racing days.
Analyzing the 2022 UltraRunner of the Year and Trail Runner of the Year Awards
A look at who took the top spots in both the 2022 “UltraRunning Magazine” (North American) UltraRunner of the Year and Freetrail Trail Runner of the Year awards.
The Curative Power of Nature
AJW’s thoughts on the restorative power of nature and time in green spaces.
Introducing the Race Director Chronicles
AJW introduces his new article series honoring the race directors who make our sport possible.
AJW’s Five 2023 Predictions for the World of Ultrarunning
AJW’s predictions for 2023 in the world of ultrarunning.
